Awkward switch wall plate

[Outlander]

Sad that I need to post this for a $2 (Made in Canada) wall plate...but....it beats ripping it apart with a BFH!

I have 2 sliding switches that I would like to replace with dimmers. For the life of me I cannot push, pry, twist or cajole the plate off the switch without feeling like I'm pulling the box off the stud!

The sides unsnap (one removed in the picture) but I can't get the rest off.

I'm sure once someone educates me it will take 2-3 seconds!

thanks

 

[BFBOB]

never seen one quite like this, but if you can see the COO, maybe you can also see the manufacturer's name. Check their website, look for specifications, which should include a drawing.
Good luck!

 

[rancherbill]

I have never seen this style, but I try tapping it up from the bottom. Somehow I think it slides.

 

[Outlander]

There was a series of numbers inside the piece I removed. My usual Google prowess failed me. Perhaps I need to scour the undernet

I'll try the forced sliding method next.

 

[wesalexleft]

That looks like and older style of a "Decora" switch. They were modular so you could combine them into 1,2, or 3 switch boxes, and then put the end caps on to give them a finished appearance. I remember the Decora plates not having any screws visible. I believe they should "snap" off with a putty knife. Hope that helps.

 

[jhelrey]

Sawzall...

 

[Scott K]

I like the BFH approach.

 

[Outlander]

The sliding portion is just covering a regular toggle switch. Once I reefed it off using brute force and I examined it, the sliding cover popped off in my hands exposing the screws to remove the plate.

The other wall plate will take me 3 seconds to do.

 

[lbmcse]

That is some kind of ugly! No offense meant.

 

[Outlander]

That is some kind of ugly! No offense meant.

LOL - none taken. It was on the wall in the cabin when we bought it. Replacing with a dimmer and new plate was lower on the priority list than naps & cocktails.